THOMAS RYCHURALSKI

Feb. 11, 1947 - April 18, 2011
AVON PARK, FL - Tom Rychards (Rychuralski) of Avon Park, FL, formerly of South Bend, Indiana, passed away on Monday, April 18, 2011, in the VA Hospital in Tampa, Florida, after a brief ill-ness. Tom was born February 11, 1947, to the late Daniel Rychuralski and Virginia (Udell) Rychuralski.

Tom was also preceded in death by a brother, Bob Rychuralski.

Tom is survived by his wife of 12 years, Rosie Longanecker. Tom is also survived by a daughter, Bridget (Mike) Filipski of Granger; three grandchildren, Tony, Jessica and Danny Filipski of Granger; a sister, Peggy Rychuralski of Granger; and a cousin, Cindy Melczek of Gahanna, OH.

Tom graduated from Washington High School Class of 1965. After graduation Tom immediately enlisted in the U.S. Marines. Shortly after ba-sic training Tom was de-ployed to Vietnam. Tom was a crew chief on the CH53 helicopter stationed in DaNang. While serving his country, Tom was awarded the Bronze Star and a Purple Heart. Tom worked most of his life in the electronics field. Tom was a wonderful cook, al-ways trying new and unique recipes. He made every meal a feast.

Without a doubt Tom was the best cook in our entire family. Tom's other passion was sailing. He and Rosie lived on a sailboat in the Florida Keys for nearly 10 years. Being an Aquarius, Tom was true to his water-bearer sign. Tom also loved to repair and restore cars. His favorite car to tackle was an MG. Friends were an im-portant part of Tom's life. He had many friends from the Florida Keys to Indiana. If you were fortunate enough to be Tom's friend, you were his friend for life. Thank you Tom for valiantly serving your country. Semper Fi! We are all going to miss you Dad, Grandpa, Little Brother, Cousin and Friend.

To honor Tom, there will be a "Celebration of Life" memorial with a buffet on Tuesday, April 26, 2011, at 5 p.m. in American Legion Post 357, located at 5414 W. Sample St., South Bend, IN 46619. Please come and share your favorite memories of Tom.

Published by South Bend Tribune from Apr. 24 to Apr. 25, 2011

05/15/2023 EJS

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/southbendtribune/name/thomas-rychards-obituary?id=13811493